www.womanthismonth.com 39 November 2012 | Our expert: Suphavidree Nasomchai (Eit), spa manager at Dessange At Dessange, I was advised by the spa manager to try a massage which uses smooth bamboo sticks. It did feel slightly like the therapist was using a rolling pin to flatten me out, but once I became accustomed to the motion, I could feel my muscles succumb. Eliminating toxins “This deep relaxing body treatment is a combination of sensuality of the woods and hand movements,” explained Eit. “This treatment uses bamboo as it moves along and covers the body better than hands,” she explains. Plus the dry oil used, Dessange’s own, has benefits. “The dry oil contains orange and lemon fruits, both which are natural healers. This product helps boost the immune system, balances the pH level, clears skin and hydrates the lymph system. Additionally, it has an anti-orange peel benefit and works to relieve muscular tension. This activates the blood circulation, as well as increases drainage, accelerating the elimination of toxins,” she outlines. Why it’s alternative This treatment, which originates from ancient Malaysian traditions, is considered to be alternative because it is the only one of its kind that helps rid cellulite and lymphatic problems. “We recommend this treatment to those who have bad circulation, water retention and who want to prevent orange-peel skin due to bad lymphatic system,” says Eit. The treatment: Bamboo Draining Massage The treatment: Hot Stone Therapy Our expert: Sapana Munikr, senior therapist at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa If you are after a vigorous massage, the hot stone therapy should be at the top of your list. Ideal for those who suffer from insomnia and muscular pain, this treatment uses heated volcanic stones to prompt relaxation and healing. Targeting key points with heat “The flat stones are placed on key body points to penetrate deep heat into the muscles,” explains Sapana. “This achieves complete muscle relaxation after one 80-minute session. However, if your aches and pains return then we suggest multiple sessions,” she advises. The treatment begins with a full-body massage completed with aromatic minty oil. As normal, you can state areas of your body which are particularly tense and the therapist will focus there. “I use the hot stones to thoroughly relax the muscles and to improve the blood circulation,” she says. The incorporation of the hot stones with the oil forced every muscle to relent and I further relaxed when Sapana placed the stones in a vertical line down my spine to let the heat penetrate into the skin layers. Why it’s alternative The use of the stones meant that the massage was more intense than usual, nevertheless it was completely enjoyable. “The hot stone therapy is still relatively new and not many people are aware of it,” adds Sapana. “Using stones in a treatment can seem a bit strange, but the beneficial qualities received from the direct source of heat are tremendous.”
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